So Charlie has a really sloppy way of sitting, sort of on the side of his bum, with his legs straight. Or on his bum, but his legs splayed out to each side. It looks puppy cute, but very lazy. Is this something that I should be trying to correct? How would I go about it? Clicker training a straight sit? I don't think it's a physical problem, as I've seen lots of other labs do it too. I was wondering whether it's because of the way their tails are? Or is that nonsense, and labs are just relaxed about what they look like!
Re: puppy sit... Unless you are planning on doing obedience trialling or some other kind of competitive activity where a straight sit is important, I wouldn't worry at all
Re: puppy sit... Thanks Rachael - I'm not sure it's at the top of my list of things to work on, but if I wanted to train a straight sit, how would I do it? Just a few pointers....in case I get round to it.
Re: puppy sit... Is he less inclined to sit that way when he sits from a walk, rather than sitting from a stand? If so, I'd use that to shape and reinforce a straighter sit. It's really a matter of doing what it takes to get a straight sit, then reinforcing that. See if going back to a lure for a brief while helps - hold the lure up a bit so he needs a bit of extra stretch to get it. If he sits sloppily, lure him into a better position and C&T that. It's not something I'd be too worried about, though, even if you did want to compete in a sport where precision mattered. A fast, keen response to the sit cue and being in the right location relative to the handle is what matters most. It's not a biggie if he is a bit 'casual' about where his legs are as long as you've got those other things covered. I certainly wouldn't focus on it at the expense of his enthusiasm for learning (i.e. don't focus on the sit to the degree that he gets at all confused or bored, not that you would do that ).
Re: puppy sit... Thanks Rachael, I'll have to have a look when he does it most - I know he doesn't do it when he is super, super, keen (like when sitting for his supper etc.). He does do it when it's a "sit on you mat and get off my desk" for a single kibble type thing. I won't over focus on it, that's good advice - actually, I'm not sure we're capable of over focus. Charlie and I are more the muddling through, sorta getting it right kind...(apart from recall, which we take very seriously...)
